More Than 70 Arrested in Mohlakeng Illegal Mining Crackdown as Police Seize Gold-Bearing Material
More than 70 people have been arrested after a large-scale police operation targeted suspected illegal mining activities in Mohlakeng, marking another significant blow against criminal networks operating in Gauteng’s West Rand.
The intelligence-driven operation, known as Operation Prosper, unfolded at Bundu Inn on Friday, where heavily coordinated law enforcement teams moved in as part of an ongoing campaign to dismantle illegal mining syndicates and restore law and order in one of the province’s most affected areas.
According to Gauteng police, more than 70 suspects, including seven women, were taken into custody during the operation. The arrests followed a multidisciplinary deployment involving the South African Police Service and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), highlighting the scale of the state’s response to the growing threat posed by illegal mining.
The operation also resulted in the seizure of equipment and materials believed to be linked to illicit mining activities. Officers impounded two motor vehicles, confiscated more than 20 generators, and recovered over 100 bags containing suspected gold-bearing material.
The discoveries point to what investigators believe may be a well-established illegal mining operation, with authorities continuing to examine the seized evidence as part of a broader criminal investigation.
Police confirmed that Operation Prosper was still underway when details of the arrests were released, meaning both the number of suspects and the quantity of recovered items could increase as further searches and investigations continue.
The latest crackdown forms part of an intensified provincial strategy aimed at disrupting illegal mining networks, often associated with organised crime, environmental damage and violent criminal activity across Gauteng.
Authorities have repeatedly identified illegal mining as a serious security challenge, with coordinated operations being conducted across several hotspots in an effort to remove illegal miners, recover illicit equipment and strengthen public safety.
The arrested suspects are expected to face charges relating to illegal mining and other offences. Police said the final charges will depend on the outcome of ongoing investigations before the matter proceeds through the courts.
As Operation Prosper continues, investigators remain focused on uncovering the full extent of the suspected illegal mining network operating in the area, with further arrests and additional recoveries remaining a possibility.
